Control Snakes in the Garden

Written by Marilyn Pokorney

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To have a snake or two in garden is good. Non-poisonous snakes, such as common garter snakes, are beneficial creatures because they eat pest insects, mosquito larvae, slugs, snails, crickets, rats, mice, voles and even other snakes which may be poisonous.

But if you really don't want snakes in your yard and garden here are a few tips to eliminate them without hurting or killing them.

Keep lawn neatly cut and clean. Be careful using weed eaters because sting from fast moving string can kill them.

Who Else Wants Vigorously Growing Carnivorous Plants?

Written by Jacob Farin

Many people who have seen our carnivorous plants at Farmer’s Market often ask us, “How do you get our plants looking so good every summer?”

Our secret? Yearly repotting. Repotting is very important to encourage new growth. It freshens soil, aerates roots and gives plant more room to grow.

Freshening soil is important because carnivorous plants grow in nutrient-free soil. Over time, nutrients from mineral and bacteria buildup in soil slow down growth of carnivorous plants. This is why it is important to replace soil every year, or every two years at very least.

Repotting also aerates roots. Roots need oxygen for vigorous growth. Without it, plant growth will be very minimal. Over year, soil becomes compacted, which decreases amount of oxygen entering soil. By repotting your plants, you loosen up soil and give your plants much need oxygen they need.

Finally, by repotting your plants into a larger pot, you give them more room to grow. This will increase size of your rhizomes. It will also provide added protection during winter months. Some of our carnivorous plants in our private collection are so large that they require 5-gallon pots!

With Sarracenia species, Venus Flytraps and taller varieties of sundews, make sure pot is tall. We have found that these plants grow bigger in taller pots than in shorter ones.

The exceptions to yearly repotting rule are Australian Pitcher Plant and Sun Pitcher Plant. Both of these plants do not respond well with root disturbances. Furthermore, there is evidence that Australian Pitcher Plant has a symbiotic relationship with a soil fungus, so replacing its soil too frequently can harm plant. All other types of carnivorous plants, however, can be repotted yearly.